Motorcycles are a big part of life on the roads of California. Anyone in a freeway traffic jam has envied the freedom of bikes, and thousands prefer the scenery of the Golden State from behind handlebars. Although they can be more fun, motorcycles often present hazards to drivers and riders alike, and all types of drivers must be on the lookout for them.
Lompoc, a town in Santa Barbara County near a U.S. Air Force installation, recently experienced a string of fatal motor vehicle accidents. A person died and three others were injured when two cars struck each other head-on on Highway 1, a few days before a motorcyclist lost his life on the same road.
The scene of the accident showed a motorcycle struck the front end of a sport utility vehicle, destroying the bike and severely damaging the SUV. The four people in the closed vehicle received minor injuries in the collision, while the sole rider on the motorcycle was ejected from the bike and pronounced dead at the scene.
Firefighters and emergency personnel from the town and county responded to the accident, which is currently under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. The agency has previously expressed concern for motorcyclists in the area, where enthusiastic motorcyclists can be confronted with dangerous road conditions. The agency has stepped up its efforts to local motorcyclists aware of these dangers.
Victims of motorcycle accidents and the survivors of those killed in motorcycle accidents have the right to sue the responsible parties if a person has been the victim of a driver’s negligence. An attorney may help victims and their families prepare a successful lawsuit to recover damages for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Source: Noozhawk, “Motorcyclist Killed In Collision on Highway 1 Near Jalama Road,” Janene Scully, accessed May 16, 2018
